Only a Mask // Cryaotic

Feels Like A Coming of Age

**(Longness for you chaps. Enjoy. Or not. I'm not your dad. I wont tell you what to do)**

Cry had offered to drive you both in his car, which seemed more appropriate than taking a bus. If Felix and Ken trusted him... that was a decent enough reason for you to do it too? You grabbed your bag and phone, pulling out the press pass and extra ticket you had in case it was needed. After one last look around your tidy hotel space, you and your new friend shuffled out of the room towards the elevator.

You quickly learned the Ryan was quite the talker. The entire half-hour ride consisted of him asking you questions about your videos, and you asking him about video games. He'd quickly jump into a self-debate on multiple games you'd never even heard of, ask if you did know about them, then not even wait for your reply. His little laughs did entertain you, though. 

"Y/n, sorry if I'm coming off a little strong." He gripped the steering wheel and looked over at you with a slight smile. "I've never been to a music festival. Hell, I'm not that into newer... indie rock stuff. No offense." You tilted your head and shot him a questioning look.

"Why are you coming with me then?" You asked, setting your phone in your lap. Cry hesitated for a moment, then shrugged.

"You seem cool. Eh... your videos. They seem cool too. Well..." He scratched his head again and pointed to a billboard perched along the road. "Whatever. We're close." You held back a giggle and smiled after checking your phone to see who'd be waiting for you. So far, you'd be blowing some balloons up with American Authors and rubbing the static over each other's hair. After that you'd jump on stage with Two Door Cinema Club and play cowbell for "What You Know." Maybe fit in some questions with a few bands and singers then wrap the evening up with some sand castle building. You'd save that for your long-time friends in Smallpools.

You whipped your camera out from time to time, recording a zoomed-in version of Ryan's feet or ass to respect his identity, but give his fangirls a glimpse of their darling Cryaotic. You were careful to not film his face, and if you did, it would be cut later. Cry made a point that he really didn't want his face or head or the majority of his body in the videos. "Leave the babes wondering," He'd add.

After vlogging enough and asking some questions to passing members, you found American Authors and quickly did your balloon stunt. Cry stood behind the camera and recorded without a sound as you tossed them around, stepped on them and made up a ridiculous song with the group about how great balloons where. You were all able to squish spoons, dunes, coons and the moon into it. It was actually catchy, and as you finished an said your goodbyes, Cry began to hum it to himself. 

"This is actually really fun. Sorry for joshin' with you about not liking your music, friend." Cry piped up.

"Florida is really fun, friend." You replied with a laugh. Smallpools were waiting for the two of you to join them at the beach that stretched out ahead of you. You met up with Beau, Sean, Joe and Mike. You talked about touring while constructing tiny sand homes. It abruptly ended when Beau roared and stomped on your delicate community. 

The sun was starting to sink down behind the water, sending rays of rich orange and peach across the limitless ocean. Ryan stopped for a moment as you both met the sand. You began to hum along to Foster the People who where one of the closing bands playing one of their new songs, Coming of Age. The song seemed to match the moment.

"This is one of the reasons I love Florida." He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath. You quietly did the same. The humidity felt like an awkward hug. The sea air smelled salty. Mark Foster's voice just loud enough to hear from behind you.

Suddenly you opened your eyes to see Cry running out through the sand with no shoes and laughing hysterically. You pulled up the camera and snapped a photo, loving the shadow his awkward body cast on the orange crush-colored sand. You looked around, set the camera down then flipped your sockless Vans off to go join him. The two of you kicked and shouted and waded until the tiki torches that lined the beach were lit and strung fairy lights blinked up near the stages.

You did make a new friend.

**Anything you'd like to see in future chapters? Possibly smut? Mwahahaha. (I'm actually friends with Smallpools, so Beau's attitude is very accurate. Really nice guys. Go see them live sometime. I don't care if you dun lyk indie musik. Gtfo.)**